Jeter offers condolences to family of slain teacher

By Paul Casella / MLB.com

Yankees captain Derek Jeter on Wednesday phoned the mother of Victoria Soto, the Sandy Hook elementary teacher who died last week in Newtown, Conn., attempting to shield her students from gunfire to offer his condolences, according to a report from the New York Daily News.

Soto, 27, was laid to rest Wednesday, and Jeter reached out to her mother, Donna Soto, just hours after the funeral.

The Yankees confirmed Jeter made the phone call.

Soto's sister, Carlee, tweeted about the visit.

Derek Jeter just called my mom!!!!! 💙 Thanks Vicki, she needs it 💚 thank you @yankees this meant a lot to my mother and all of us. ⚾💙

With Wednesday's phone call, Jeter became the latest New York-area athlete to pay his respects to the families of Sandy Hook victims. Earlier this week, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz met with the family of 6-year old victim Jack Pinto, who was laid to rest wearing his replica Cruz jersey.

Paul Casella is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @paul_casella. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.